Fernando Torres scores stunning hat-trick as Chelsea thrash QPR 6-1

Fernando Torres followed up his last-gasp equaliser in Barcelona with a hat-trick as Chelsea stepped up their bid for a top-four Premier League finish with a 6-1 win over struggling QPR.

Fernando Torres claimed the match-ball for the first time in his Chelsea career (Picture: AFP/Getty)

The Spaniard has struggled for form and goals since his £50 million move from Liverpool last year but put in a man-of-the-match performance as the Blues heaped more relegation worry upon their west London rivals at Stamford Bridge.

The win puts Roberto Di Matteo’s team one point behind Newcastle in the last automatic Champions League qualification spot ahead of their game on Wednesday.

Chelsea interim first team coach Roberto Di Matteo has transformed the club’s season since replacing Andre Villas-Boas in March (Picture: Getty)

Showing no sign of their exertions in the Nou Camp earlier this week, Chelsea opened the scoring within 48 seconds after Daniel Sturridge arrowed a right-foot screamer past Paddy Kenny in the visiting team’s goal after his initial effort was blocked.

The home side were 4-0 up within 24 minutes as John Terry headed in Frank Lampard’s corner and Torres first rounded Kenny after latching on to Salomon Kalou’s through-ball and reacted first to a defensive mix-up between the QPR goalie and Nedum Onuoha to grab his second.

John Terry is due to go on trial later this year charged with racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand in a match between the two clubs earlier this season (Picture: PA)

Torres’ hat-trick, his first in Chelsea colours, came after the restart when he broke the QPR offside trap to race on to a Juan Mata pass and find the bottom right-hand corner of the goal, sparking wild celebrations inside Stamford Bridge led by billionaire owner Roman Abramovich.

Substitute Florent Malouda made it six from close range when Anton Ferdinand could only deflect Ramires’ cross into the Frenchman’s path.

Djibril Cisse grabbed a late consolation for Mark Hughes’ side, who are only ahead of 18th placed Bolton on goal difference having played a game more.